Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for an alleged misconduct breach following a comment he made on Uruguayan television about his teammate, Son Heung-min.
The incident occurred during a June appearance on the Canal 10 show, where Bentancur was asked by the host for a Spurs player’s shirt. He responded, “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
The remark led to a “significant number” of complaints, according to British anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out. Bentancur has since apologized to Son, who acknowledged that his teammate had made a mistake.
The FA’s statement on the matter alleges that Bentancur violated FA Rule E3.1 by acting in an improper manner and using abusive or insulting words, thereby bringing the game into disrepute. The charge is considered an “aggravated breach” under FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference to nationality, race, or ethnic origin.
Bentancur has until September 19 to respond to the charge. This situation recalls a similar incident involving former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani, who was banned for three games and fined £100,000 in 2020 for using a racially sensitive term in a social media post.